The MRI clinic at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center operates two state-of-the-art MRI suites operating at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla. MRI imaging provides diagnostic evaluations of a wide variety of medical conditions and injuries without the use of radiation. We provide MRI imaging services to eligible beneficiaries throughout Europe as well as wounded, injured and ill service members from the Middle East, Africa and other areas of the world.

Our appointment availability is based on manpower and the changing number of patients at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Please visit the Specialty Care Services webpage for the monthly availability report to find out if we may have space available to schedule your MRI appointment.

MRI scanning operations are currently extended to evenings and nights as demand and manpower allows.

Frequently asked questions

My exam was ordered today, why can’t I schedule my appointment? All orders are reviewed daily by a Radiologist, and the appropriate protocol is prescribed to answer your specific health problem. As some exams take longer than others, we want to ensure we have enough time to complete your evaluation. We ask that you provide 2-3 business days for this to occur. Occasionally, the Radiologist must discuss your case with your Doctor, and this may take additional time.

How and when do I get my results? The results are sent electronically to your Doctor. For routine examinations, this process usually takes 1-2 normal business days.

Why do I need to bring my prior examination film or discs and my results? This is very important to see how your medical condition has changed. Also, if this is done prior to your exam being done, we can review your prior examination and adjust your current examination if needed.

Are walk-in examinations available? All MRI examinations are conducted on a referral basis by an order from your medical provider. Occasionally we have cancellations and may have space available.

Why do I have to come to my appointment 30 minutes early? This is critical to ensure there is sufficient time to complete the screening process and to make sure it is safe to do your exam.

What if I cannot arrive to my appointment on time? You should call as soon as possible. This will allow us to try and switch your time with someone else. If you do not inform the front desk, and you do not arrive within 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment, your appointment may be given to someone else.

What if my appointment is given to someone else? We will attempt to provide you with an alternate time the same day, although another same-day slot may not be available. Also, keep in mind that this slot may be much later in the day. Otherwise, you will have to reschedule on a different day.

What if I miss my second appointment? You may be required to bring a memorandum from your Commander explaining the circumstances of your prior missed appointments or discuss your situation with the clinic Officer in Charge (OIC) prior to being allowed to reschedule a third appointment.

How does MRI work? They are very complex machines that use extremely powerful superconductive magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the tissues inside of your body.

Is there anything special I need to do to prepare for my exam? Yes. In the days before your MRI scan, you may follow all normal routines such as eating and taking regular medication. If you have implanted devices call or stop by the MRI clinic to ensure we can safely complete your exam. If having an exam with intravenous (IV) contrast ensure current lab testing of “Renal Function” has been performed prior to the day of your scheduled exam.

What can I expect on the day of my examination? You will complete a screening form, review the screening form with the MR Tech and change into an exam gown. Immediately prior to the MR scan, the technologist will provide an explanation of the MR process. You will be asked to remove any metal objects such as jewelry or non-permanent dentures and placed in the dressing room locker for safe keeping. Any metal object might be attracted to the MR scanner's magnet, and thereby hinder the procedure. Bank cards and credit cards are also restricted from the scan room, as the magnetic field could erase the information contained on them. As a final precaution, you will be asked a series of questions to ensure there are no other metal or electrical objects we should address.

What happens during my examination? You will be given hearing protection as it is loud during the examination and placed into a coil, which is a device that fits over or around the body part being imaged. Then you will go into the MRI machine. The MRI machine is motion sensitive; please remember to hold still during the examination.

How long does an examination typically last? Most examinations take about 30 minutes, although some examinations may take an hour or more. Occasionally these may need to be scheduled on separate days.

What if I am getting more than one body part examined on one day? Each exam will take 30 minutes on average and some additional time between examinations may be required to move the coils.

Is there anything else important during my examination? The two most important things for you to remember are lying perfectly still and letting the technologist know if there is anything wrong or anything concerning you.

What is the loud noise? Certain parts of these powerful magnets are being cycled on and off to make the pictures of your body in a similar way that your TV flickers to make a picture.

What if I have an implanted surgical device? We will need to know as much information as possible about the device to include the manufacturer, device, model number and serial number. More and more new devices are MRI safe, but many older devices can cause serious injury or death if exposed to the powerful magnets of the MRI.

What if I have metal or shrapnel inside my body? Generally we will take X-rays or review old X-rays of the concerning parts of your body to see where the metal is in relation to critical structures inside your body.

I have a surgical device or metal inside my body but I’ve had an MRI before so it must be safe, right? Not necessarily, your prior MRI may not have been done with as powerful as a magnet as we use. Additionally, your device may require special exam parameters that we must know and set beforehand to keep you safe.

I came to my appointment on time, but my examination was delayed, why? Fortunately, this is the exception. However, if this happens to you, we apologize and thank you for your patience. This rare event happens for one of two main reasons: a mechanical or maintenance concern, or an emergency request for another patient.

What is gadolinium or MR contrast? Gadolinium is a partially magnetic material injected into your body, usually through an IV, to allow improved visualization of certain parts of your body or certain medical conditions.

Is MRI contrast or gadolinium safe? It is felt to be a very safe medication, although there is a potential risk for contrast reactions or in people with impaired kidney function, one kidney or Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Those with impaired kidney function or one kidney may have to undergo routine laboratory blood work to make sure it is safe for them. Also, we need to know if you are pregnant, as we do NOT administer contrast during pregnancy.

What is an arthrogram? Occasionally, we inject contrast material into your joint before the MRI. This is most commonly done into the shoulder or hip, but any joint may be injected. This allows improved visualization of certain structures inside your joint.

What if I am claustrophobic or afraid of tight spaces? This is important to know as you will need to be placed into a tube which is approximately 2 feet, or 60 cm, in diameter. If you believe you are claustrophobic, talk to your referring medical provider about prescribing a medication to make your examination much more comfortable. Please keep in mind, if you take this medication, you will need to have someone drive you home.

What if I’m pregnant or think I might be pregnant? Typically we do not examine pregnant women unless there is an urgent need. If you think you are pregnant, please let us know. The Radiologist will discuss your case with your medical provider to decide how to proceed and what the alternatives are.

What if I’m breastfeeding? If you are breastfeeding and do not require gadolinium contrast, you may continue to breastfeed normally after your examination. If you require gadolinium contrast, you should plan on bottle feeding for 48 hours after your examination. Also, pumping and discarding your breast milk during this 48 hour period is also recommended.